LEXUS Heads to Pikes Peak Hill Climb with V8-Equipped IS F CCS-R Race Car!

LEXUS, known for their smooth and silent running vehicles, performance, build quality, luxury and often times heft is headed for the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with their IS F Circuit Club Sport Racer (CCS-R) will compete in this year's race towards the heavens.



The LEXUS IS F CCS-R will be looking to prove it's more than just a show car. Thankfully, it's properly equipped to tackle the 4.3km run to the peak, stripped of its power windows, central locking, rear seats and roof lining, with a full roll-cage, racing brakes, slammed suspension and a host of carbon fibre parts for obvious weight saving purposes.



The powertrain remains the same as the standard IS F production car, however its 5.0L V8 rumbles 416bhp with 503Nm of torque; perfect for a hill climb!

Now check out the specs below!

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 107.5 in.
Overall Length 187.4 in.
Overall Width 71.5 in.
Overall Height 54.5 in.

WEIGHT
Curb Weight 3,087 lbs. or less (693 lbs. less than stock)

ENGINE
Designation 2UR-GSE
Displacement 5.0L
Horsepower 416 @ 6,600 rpm
Torque 371 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
Fuel system SFI D-4 direct-to-cylinder injection with secondary port injectors

DRIVETRAIN
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive system
Transmission 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode

EXTERIOR
Orange mica exterior paint
Reinforced monocoque (with roll cage)
Carbon fiber hood, door handles, front fender, front spoiler, front canard, rear spoiler, ventilator
Polycarbonate windows
Lightweight door

WHEELS/TYRES
SSR
18x8.5J, off-set 30 front
18x9.5J, off-set 40 rear
Yokohama /ADVAN NEOVA A050 tires
245/40 R18 front
255/40 R18 rear

BRAKES
Brake cooling system
Racing brake kit
Stainless steel mesh brake hose

SUSPENSION
Adjustable camber front upper arm
Modified race suspension
Reinforced bushings and mounts

EXHAUST
Racing exhaust system

OTHER MECHANICAL
Engine oil cooler
Transmission oil cooler
Differential oil cooler
Mechanical LSD

RACING EQUIPMENT
120L fuel cell
Air jack system
Fire extinguishing system
Data logger
Kill switch
Tow strap

INTERIOR
Carbon fiber dashboard, center console, door and interior trim
HANS compatible full bucket driver's seat
Lightened interior (delete power windows, door locks, rear seats, roof lining, etc.)
Six-point seat belt
Small-diameter steering wheel with paddle shifters

Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic to get detuned 3.5L V6 in 2013

The Mercedes-Benz all-wheel-drive C300 4Matic; equipped with an aging 3.0L V6 that only provides 228bhp and 300Nm of torque will soon be replaced by a detuned direct-injection 3.5L V6 mill that provides 248bhp and 340Nm of torque.

With a kerb wight of 1,695kg, the C300's new detuned V6 engine will be 54bhp and 30Nm down from the original figures of 302bhp and 370Nm of torque, which still provides better power figures than original and should be rated with better fuel economy figures.

The C300 will also be added with a stop-start function as well as an Eco mode as standard, so that should make it even more frugal on fuel consumption; especially when the C300's kerb weight comes in at a hefty 1,695kg.

Apple's Siri Now Available in Your Car Through "Eyes Free"

Apple has made its name across the globe by producing some of the most ground-breaking, trend-setting gadgets that others had yet to be able to replicate with similar success as they did. And one of the most astounding creation that Apple had produced so far is the remarkable voice recognition software in their iPhone 4S, Siri.



This highly-sophisticated software is almost like a personal assistant in a phone, where it could understand commands and questions from the user, and replies with a shockingly human-like answers or actions that is in Siri’s ability; such as setting up the alarm, or write and send a text message (all from the iPhone itself of course).

And with such sophistication which enables the phone user to use just a finger and his own voice in executing an action, Apple is now planning to add another button in the cars of today, one that will activate Siri during driving. Dubbed the Eyes Free, it is basically a button mounted on the steering wheel which will activate Siri through the user’s paired iPhone or iPad (Siri will also be in the iPad in the near future).

Most probably to be paired via Bluetooth, the driver can now have the access to most of the phone’s functionality without taking his eyes off the road or the hands off the steering wheel. And due to Apple’s globally-renowned position, there are already a number of automakers lining up to have this Siri button installed in their vehicles, which among them are automotive giants like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota and Honda.

ETCM Offers IMPUL-Tuned Nissan Livina X-Gear and Nissan Sylpy

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has loosed two new Nissan variants that’s been fiddled by well-renown Japanese Tuning company - IMPUL, to bring you the Nissan Livina X-Gear and Nissan Sylphy both Tuned by IMPUL which feature exclusive accessories that have been specially customized for the popular Nissan models.



Present at the launch was Dato’ Dr. Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of ETCM, who said “We are very excited to be able to offer enthusiasts these sportier variants of our popular Nissan Livina X-Gear and Nissan Sylphy which have been specially tuned and developed by ETCM’s business partner, IMPUL of Japan. These variants are intended to cater to those who aim to drive something sportier and more exclusive.”



Both the Nissan Livina X-Gear and Sylphy that’s been Tuned by IMPUL gets a nicely polished IMPUL Blast 2 Exhaust Muffler made of stainless steel that’s got the IMPUL logo etched on the end of the tailpipe. Black polished light-weight 17” IMPUL Aura SX-20 Alloy rims that’s 20%-30% lighter than conventional 17” rims lends some shroud of mystery and darkness to both variants.

So now both of them has the looks, it’s also ‘gotta’ strut the strut with IMPUL providing both the Livina and Sylphy with a suspension tune-up that brings the vehicle a little closer to ground-zero, but nothing too drastic that would affect comfort too much, but just enough to help increase lateral force support when cornering.



Lastly, IMPUL also provides an Aerokit Rear Wing Spoiler that helps both vehicles more inclined towards the masculine side of it all.

The Nissan Livina X-Gear Tuned by IMPUL is priced at RM90,800.00 while the Nissan Sylphy Tuned by IMPUL is selling at RM125,988.00 for the 2.0XL and RM135,988.00 for the 2.0XV. Prices are inclusive of insurance, road tax, registration fee and ownership claim fee in Peninsular Malaysia.

All IMPUL parts come with a 3-year or 100,000-km warranty (whichever comes first, subject to terms and conditions) on manufacturing defects if they are purchased and installed by ETCM on a brand new Nissan Livina X-Gear or Nissan Sylphy.

If you’re already driving either the Sylphy or Livina or both, you’d be happy to note that ETCM also offers the said items at selected showrooms.

2012 AUTOBACS SUPER GT Round 3 - GT Queens!

Besides of the high-powered, steroid-pumped touring cars in the Super GT race itself, the GT Race Queens are undeniably one of the main attractions for this famous Japanese touring car race. And attracted it did as during the pitwalk, the pits were literally filled with a sea of crowd, hoping to get a glimpse or a chance to get up close with these hot and sexy ladies.

So to not going to waste your time any longer, here are some eye-candies that had certainly brought the temperature level over the roof during last weekend’s Super GT Round 3 at Sepang International Circuit.

The Lotus Exige R-GT to Debut at Geko Ypres Rally

Even with the current turmoil that Lotus is in for the moment such as the termination of their CEO, they could still manage to gather up their resources and put some focus into their motorsport program. And for their latest progress, the legendary British sports car marquee is set to make a debut of their Lotus Exige R-GT as a course car at the Belgium’s Geko Ypres Rally happening this 21-23 June.



The Geko Ypres Rally takes place in the town of Ypres in West Flanders, and is one of the most beautiful rallies in both the European series and the IRC. The Exige R-GT will be driven by Portugese driver Bernardo Sousa, who will also be competing in the FIA European Rally Championship and the International Rally Challenge later this year.



This specially-prepped Exige has gone through a series of tests in Italy, and this is its first participation in a rally event, although only as a course car. This will also be the first opportunity for the fans to catch the car up close with the team of Bernardo Sousa and Corrado Mancini on board. And since this is the first official event for the team, the Lotus International Team will also be dropping down at Ypres in full force.



"I am very pleased to be at the Geko Ypres Rally, even if I’m only driving the Exige as a course car. This presence will certainly help us to start having some stage time comparisons against those who will be our next opponents. During the tests the car has improved continuously and I am discovering its great potential day after day”, said the Portugese driver.



The participation is also to provide Lotus with valuable data in further improving the car’s tuning and setup, which now runs on a new suspension evolution, refined electronics and Michelin tires due to their new technical partnership with the French company.

The new Volkswagen CC debuts in Malaysia

Yesterday evening, Volkswagen Passengers Cars Malaysia (VPCM), a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM), launched the all-new Volkswagen CC at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). The CC touts to carry an evolutionary design, with better dynamic performance, handling, innovative driver assist innovations and uncompromised active and passive safety technologies. And yes, the Volkswagen CC replaces its predecessor’s prefix of Passat CC, signifying an independent model series with its own identity and name.



Last night’s event also saw a panel of key influencers who helped to shape and advance the local design community, sharing their insights on the world of design. The discussion was led by Mr. Ricky Tay, Managing Director of VGM, Dato’ Faridah Merican, Executive Producer and Director of KLPAC and Malaysia’s popular celebrity photographer, Kid Chan. Themed “Extraordinary Design”, the night paid homage to design as the focal point in the Volkswagen CC.



The Volkswagen CC is 4,802mm long with a 2,710mm wheelbase. It stands 1,855mm wide and 1,421mm tall. Despite the new naming convention, the CC takes a fair number of cues from the existing Passat; its headlamp design extends towards the grille, with LED DRLs integrated into the housing. In fact, just about the entire front bumper, headlights and radiator grille echo Volkswagen’s ‘design DNA’ styling.



Under the hood lies VW’s proven 1.8L four-cylinder direct injection turbo mill that churns out 160PS at 5,000rpm and 250Nm between 1,500 – 4,200rpm. The CC accelerates from zerotohundred in 8.5 seconds, to a top chat of 223km/h. This award winning engine is paired to a 7-speed DSG and comes with Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC). Combined fuel efficiency is touted to be 7.2litres/100km with a combined CO2 emission output of 167g/km.

On the inside, you get lighting stripes integrated into the fine wood or metallic accents in the door. The brightness on these strips can be continuously carried via the interior lighting controls. This is part of the ambiance pack, and helps to give the Volkswagen CC and dynamic, elegant interior. There’s also a multi-function leather steering wheel that allows control over DSG, MFD and radio. The Nappa leather seats are electronically adjustable and, on the driver’s side, come with memory. Parking brake is electronic and has an auto-hold function whilst in-car entertainment comes in the form of an RCD510 touch-screen radio with a 6 CD changer and 8 speakers.

As can be expected, the CC eschews a long line of standard safety and comfort features. You get the regular acronyms – Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), as well as a tyre pressure monitoring system, rain sensors and auto-dimming rear view mirror. The car also comes with 6 airbags, and a driver fatigue detector, dubbed ‘Rest Assist’.





Two variants of the Volkswagen CC are offered – Comfort and Sport. The latter offers some additional features including 18-inch Interlagos alloys, “KESSY” keyless entry and starting system, DYNAUDIO 600w premium surround sound with 10 speakers, panoramic tilting glass roof, rear view camera, along with brushed aluminum inserts on the dashboard and door trim panels. A total of 7 colour options are offered: Candy White, Light Brown Metallic, Black Oak Brown Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, Icelandic Grey Pearl, and Deep Black Pearl.

Both variants are now available for sale across all Volkswagen authorized dealerships nationwide and are priced at RM225,888 for the Comfort and RM243,888 for the Sport respectively.

The All-New Subaru WRX STi 2012 is Now Available in Malaysia!

While the BRZ was battling it out it the Super GT GT300 class down at the circuit, Subaru had also brought another car down to Sepang; not for the race, but to unveil their all-new Subaru WRX STi 2012 into the Malaysian market. To those that miss the Subaru’s old 4-door sedan layout, your prayers have not gone unnoticed as this new one brings back the old family-friendly layout.



Being introduced in Malaysia by Motor Image Malaysia Sdn Bhd, this newly-launched Subaru will be incorporating an improved version of their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and houses a 2.5 litre Boxer engine, which is available to customers in either a 5-speed auto or a 6-speed manual transmission.



And to suit the varied driving style of the driver, the STi comes with a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC) that allows the driver to personally choose the preferred performance depending on the driving conditions; ‘Normal’ for the daily cruising, ‘Traction’ for a performance driving and also to those who have the guts and skills to be in full control, ‘Off’.



Also to cater to the driver’s desired engine response is the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) where again they will have three different modes to choose from; Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. ‘Intelligent’ serves to put out a smooth flow of power, prioritizing on efficiency. ‘Sport’ on the other hand allows a much more agile response on any driving condition. And to get the maximum throttle response from the turbocharged Boxer engine, the ‘Sport Sharp’ fits the bill.

And like all the previous legendary Subarus, this one also wears the iconic red STi badge on the front grills, the front wheel arches, and the rear of the car. With a spoiler on the rear to provide some necessary downforce, the 2012 STi also runs on 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes on both front and rear.





The Subaru WRX STi 2012 goes on Malaysian roads starting from RM 249,000 onwards and is now available at Motor Image outlets in Petaling Jaya and Johor Bahru. For more info, drop down to their website at www.motorimage.net/my